Ergonomic Office Assessments, Advice and Staff Training
Assessments, advice and training to prevent injury in the workplace
Every year British businesses lose nearly 20 million working days through ill-health. Over half of these are due to back pain, joint and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
It is often the way in which equipment is used rather that the equipment itself that gives rise to these problems. Most can be prevented by re-organising the work station and ensuring workers know how to use the equipment correctly.
Back problems are the most common form of ill health at work. In 2003/04 4.9 million working days were lost due to back pain caused or made worse by work. Working with computer screens can lead to upper limb disorders and back pain as well as stress and eye strain. If workstations are not set up appropriately and if the users do not sit correctly (and take breaks) they are at risk of pain and discomfort. This imposes a heavy cost on employers with lost productivity, sickness absence and staff turnover.
"Very thorough service, very approachable and full of good advice - the difference is really quite dramatic."
Sonia Gale,Barclays Bank PLC
Eye strain is often associated with VDU work and is a particular problem for workers who concentrate on the screen for long periods. Users complain of sore eyes or head aches and existing visual problems can be exacerbated. Badly positioned screens, poor lighting, glare, reflection and flickering images are often to blame.
RSI is the term generally used to describe injuries of the neck and arm caused by repetitive work activities. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling and difficulty moving the affected area. There can also be numbness and even loss of function.
Laptop computers create specific problems. The keyboard and screen are smaller and attached, making them impossible to position correctly. However there are ways in which postural strain can be reduced and workers who use laptops should receive adequate training on how to minimise risks.
After a prolonged absence from work due to illness or injury Workable Solutions will carry out an individual assessment of the employee and the workstation. We provide guidance on work organisation, posture, activities and increasing work fitness, speeding a successful return to work. We also determine if the employee is ready to resume their normal duties and whether assistance should be provided on their return to work.